why? why does ethnicity matter may i ask?
This is always going to be a touchy subject and many will see it as an opportunity for racist attacks.
I prefer to see it in another light.
Why should we not see it as another school?
No-one takes offence when one refers to Askenazy as a Russian pianist, let alone Rubinstein and Horowitz and the differences between Polish pianism and the Russian School.
Does no-one believe Cziffra's Hungarian gypsy heritage had an influence on his interpretations of Liszt?
Does anyone implicate Claudio Arrau when his support for the new generation of pianists was limited to Argerich and Barenboim: A Chilean supporting two Argentinians.
It is a sad truth that during much of the last century, to the West, Asians were considered alien. Unfortunately, some residue of this mindset remains in Europe and the Americas.
Even 20 years ago, the extent of Asian pianism was limited to 'Chinese Chopsticks" and playing pentatonic intervals.
But times are changing. Slowly but steadily, things are turning around.
Thanks
Theodopolis
P.S - From one living in Australia: Isn't it a far greater travesty that
this continent has only one internationally recognised pianist, and that is
David Helfgott?